Intern, Fellow and Volunteer Opportunities at DFS

The Department of Forensic Sciences welcomes interns, fellows, and volunteers from a variety of programs, including Forensic Science, Public Health, Crime Scene Sciences, Criminal Justice, Quality Assurance, Information Technology, Social Sciences, Business and Economics. Space is limited and the positions are competitive. Intern, Fellow and Volunteer opportunities at the DFS are unpaid and at-will.

Minimum Requirements:

• Study and complete college level courses in biology, chemistry, forensic science, public health sciences, information technology, business, or a related field.
• Be in good academic standing with your educational institution.
• Hold a 3.0 GPA (Tracks 1 & 2) or 3.5 GPA (Track 3) or higher (unofficial transcripts are accepted).
• Submit and pass a Criminal Background Check and Drug/Alcohol Testing.
• Complete the DFS Application Form via link below and the DC 2000 Form.
• Resume/Cover Letter explaining areas of interest and expectations, career goals and availability.
• All interns, fellows and volunteers are expected to provide a presentation of their internship to DFS staff at the culmination of the season.

 Steps to Apply:

• Complete the DFS Application link here.
• Complete the DC 2000 Form

Cover letter, Transcripts, Resume, and DC2000 form must be sent in one email to [email protected].

Timeline: Session	Internship Dates	Application Timeframe
Summer '25	June 2, 2025 – August 8, 2025	January 13, 2025 - March 7, 2025
Fall '25	September 8, 2025 – December 5, 2025	June 9, 2025 - July 11, 2025
Spring '26	January 12, 2026 – May 1, 2026	September 15, 2025 - November 7, 2025

Track 1 - Programmatic

• Typically awarded to junior or senior undergraduate students interested in assisting DFS experts and/or management with programmatic functions of the DFS, administrative tasks, or streamlining of laboratory functions. DFS also accepts law students interested in assisting the DFS General Counsel with legal research, writing, and/or assistance in forensic/legal matters.

Track 2 - Research

• Typically awarded to master’s or doctoral level students who wish to work with DFS scientists or management on research projects that support the learning of practical professional skills and benefit the DFS and its stakeholders. The project can be related to a student's degree work, if relevant

Track 3 – STEM

• Typically awarded to junior or senior high school students enrolled in a District of Columbia dedicated Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) program. Applicants for Track 3 must meet the above minimum program requirements along with:
  A recommendation by their high school STEM instructor for the opportunity.

Housing

The Department of Forensic Sciences does not offer housing to students in the program. If selected, the candidate will be responsible for his/her own housing. Below are nearby properties that may offer (summer) housing to students:

American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 885-8247

George Washington University
2350 H Street, NW Suite 107
Washington, DC 20052
(202) 994-6883